Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 4.djvu/274

254 want of judgment, gave Somerset an opportunity to shake him off. There was a jealousy of old standing in the profession to which he belonged between the civilians and the common law lawyers. The sympathies of the chancellor were with the former, and believing that he held his office irresponsibly and irremoveably, and finding his occupation at the council-board interfere with his duties as a judge, he made out a commission in the King's name to the Master of the Rolls and three civilians, empowering them to hear and determine causes in the Court of Chancery as his representatives. The students at the inns of court complained to the council. The judges being consulted, reported unanimously that the issue of a commission under the great seal without sanction from the Crown was an offence by which, 'by the common law,' the chancellor had forfeited his office; and when first called to account, Wriothesley enhanced his misdemeanour by 'menacing divers of the learned men,' and 'using unfitting words to the Lord Protector.' The council 'considered what danger might ensue, if the great seal of England, whereby the King and the realm might be bound, should continue in the hands of so stout and arrogant a person as durst presume at his will to seal without warrant;' and they resolved, without a dissentient voice, that he should be deprived. They came to their determination on the morning of Sunday, the 6th of March. The chancellor was ordered to remain a prisoner in the council